Subaru’s STI-badged Forester, hinted at last month through a shadowy teaser, has now made its Japanese-market debut - and that’s where it shall remain.

The quick new SUV revives the ‘tS’ badge worn by the previous Forester back in 2012, now adding a host of STI performance and styling upgrades to the latest generation.

Developed exclusively for Japan, the Forester tS is driven by the company’s STI-enhanced 206kW and 350Nm turbocharged 2.0 litre boxer engine.

As with most Subaru models, power is sent to all four paws but, as with other performance Subarus in Japan, a CVT auto is the only transmission on offer.

Other sporting features include big 432mm brakes from the WRX STI, STI-tuned 15mm-lowered suspension, adjustable strut tower brace at the front, transmission oil cooler, and revised ECU and transmission control systems.

Styling tweaks include a number of STI-selected changes to the XT model’s body-kit, including a front chin spoiler, side skirts and a rear under-bumper extension, and 19-inch STI lightweight alloy wheels.

There's also a liberal application of STI and tS badges both inside and out, with plenty of red contrast stitching in the cabin and a bright red engine start button.

The Forester tS will be offered exclusively in Japan, limited to just 300 units.